Alleged Coup Plot: 15 More Officers Arrested as Military Detentions Surpass 40

Fresh developments have emerged in the ongoing investigation into an alleged coup plot against the Federal Government, as the military has reportedly arrested an additional 15 officers of various ranks, bringing the total number of detained personnel to over 40.

According to reliable sources, the latest arrests were made following new information obtained during the interrogation of the initial 16 officers already in custody. The detained officers are said to have revealed the intended roles of their newly arrested colleagues in what investigators have described as a “grand plot.”

Security agencies are now said to be analysing communication exchanges among the suspects, with insiders suggesting that more arrests may follow as the probe widens.

Investigations confirmed that the first batch of 16 detained officers included:

• 1 Brigadier General
• 1 Colonel
• 4 Lieutenant Colonels
• 5 Majors
• 2 Army Captains
• 1 Lieutenant Commander (Navy)
• 1 Squadron Leader (Air Force)
• 1 Army Lieutenant

Those identified include:
Brigadier General Musa Abubakar Sadiq (Nasarawa, 44th Regular Course); Colonel M.A. Ma’aji (Niger, 47th Course); Lt. Col. S. Bappah (Bauchi, 56th Course); Lt. Col. A.A. Hayatu (Kaduna, 56th Course); Lt. Col. Dangnan (Plateau, 56th Course); Lt. Col. M. Almakura (Nasarawa, 56th Course); Major A.J. Ibrahim (Gombe, 56th Course); Major M.M. Jiddah (Katsina, 56th Course); Major M.A. Usman (FCT, 60th Course); Major D. Yusuf (Gombe, 59th Course); Major I. Dauda (Jigawa, DSSC 38); Captain I. Bello (DSSC 43); Captain A.A. Yusuf; Lieutenant S.S. Felix (DSSC); Lieutenant Commander D.B. Abdullahi (Navy); and Squadron Leader S.B. Adamu (Air Force).

Most of the officers, sources said, serve in the Infantry, Signals, and Ordnance Corps.

Funds Traced to Former Governor and Minister

Security operatives investigating the alleged coup have reportedly traced large financial transactions linked to the suspected network. Collaboration between the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and other agencies has allegedly uncovered funds connected to a former governor who also served as a minister of state.

According to insiders, the detained officers have been cooperating with investigators, giving detailed accounts of their recruitment process and assigned roles in the alleged plot.

Although the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has not officially confirmed the latest arrests, sources disclosed that the military is maintaining strict confidentiality until the investigations are concluded.

The development follows the earlier confirmation by Defence Headquarters three weeks ago that 16 officers had been detained for “acts of indiscipline” and violations of military regulations.

At the time, the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, explained that the arrests stemmed from routine internal exercises, revealing that some officers had longstanding grievances related to career stagnation and repeated failures in promotion examinations.

“Some of the apprehended officers had been under jurisdiction for various offenses, either awaiting or undergoing trial. Their conduct was deemed incompatible with the standards of military service,” Gusau said.

He emphasized that the detained personnel would face full disciplinary procedures after investigations, noting that the exercise was aimed at maintaining order, discipline, and loyalty within the armed forces.

“The Armed Forces will not tolerate any behaviour that undermines the integrity of the institution or threatens its constitutional role under democratic authority,” he added.

Gusau reaffirmed that the Nigerian Armed Forces remain fully committed to professionalism and their constitutional duty to safeguard national stability.

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